Great news for fans of the one and only Zakk Wylde. You can now get the legend’s long-awaited Book of Shadows II album! In this exclusive interview, we speak with Zakk about the new solo record, his gear company Wylde Audio and Black Sabbath’s final tour.

Zakk Wylde is beloved for his ruthless axe-handling in Black Label Society and as a longtime member of Ozzy Osbourne’s solo band. Some, however, may be unfamiliar with Zakk’s softer, more etherial side. Back in 1996, Wylde release his debut solo album, Book of Shadows, which ventured into a peaceful and soulful realm.

We asked Zakk all about Book of Shadows II and the kind of headspace he was in while recording it. Though Book of Shadows and its sequel sound sonically linked, Zakk reveals he wasn’t necessarily inspired by the same dynamics as he was in 1996.

Zakk also spoke about his massive new gear line, Wylde Audio, and why he chose to get into business for himself. Though he’s teamed up with Schecter for his newest axes, Zakk ensured us that fans will still see him play his classic Gibsons.

As for Black Sabbath, Zakk Wylde is one of the band’s biggest fans on Earth. He details his feelings about Sabbath embarking on their final tour, but shares his thanks to be able to see Sabbath with Ozzy at all in the first place. As a kid, Zakk’s first ever live show was Black Sabbath with Ronnie James Dio, so he never thought he’d witness an Ozzy Sabbath concert to begin with!

Check out our interview with Zakk Wylde above. To grab a copy of Book of Shadows II, click here.